If it's June 5, it must be World Environment Day

Garbage dumps like this one in New Delhi, India, are often ways for the poorest to scrounge a living by recycling material. In one way those jobs are part of the "green economy" celebrated by the U.N. on June 5, World Environment Day. But those jobs usually don't translate into better lives in the long run.

Roberto Escobar / EPA

An Ibis flies over a nest site at the La Barra bird reserve in Metapan, El Salvador, on June 5. Eco-tourism is one tried-and-true way to green an economy, especially in poorer countries.

Granted it’s not as well known in the U.S. as Earth Day but today, June 5, is World Environment Day. It also has a much more international following than Earth Day given its origins with the U.N. Environment Program 40 years ago.

This year’s theme -- “Green Economy: Does it include you?” – aims to get folks to think about, and act on, creating businesses and jobs around sustainable and socially inclusive criteria.

Victoria Memorial Hall, an icon in Calcutta, India, is lit up in green on June 5 to commemorate World Environment Day.

Juan Carlos Ulate / Reuters

A Blue Jeans Dart Frog rests on a leaf at the Braullio Carrillo National Park, 31 miles east of San Jose on June 5. According to a recent poll, Costa Ricans would agree to pay higher taxes if it is used for actions to promote the environment, according to local media. Costa Rica, with more than 30% of its territories held in national parks, celebrates World Environment Day today.